Detection limits of heavy elements obtained with K-series x-rays induced by electron accelerator bremsstrahlung

Estimates of detection limits for elements with atomic number 69 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 92 in an Al matrix were obtained for K alpha characteristic fluorescence excitation by Al braking target bremsstrahlung in a 5 MeV electron accelerator. The electron energy varied from 1 to 5 MeV, Relationships were obtained between detection limit and electron energy and between detection limit and atomic number of defined elements for an electron energy of 2 MeV, The results show that the chosen method of analysis makes it possible to determine heavy element concentrations down to 10(-8)-10(-9)%, which allows the solution of a great number of problems in ecology, geology, geochemistry and industrial technology for pure material production. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.